I thought I'd share this brilliant email that I received about the article:

"I am a veteran Bay Area restaurant professional, I try to take my job seriously,
while providing an experience that exceeds my guests' expectations. My application
has been accepted for the Master Sommelier Advanced Course, something for which I am
proud, yet humble. I have to mention that I never fail to read the Food and Wine
sections, as well as Michael Bauer's reviews.
I always want to present the hospitality industry in the best possible light; I do
think that some people may consider restaurant employees less capable or educated
that those in other professions. We deal rather intimately with food and drinks
we present to our guests, and these guests deserve our outmost care and concern.
This includes health-related issues, the manner in which we handle products and
serviceware, our own personal cleanliness and safety and sanitation procedures,
including those prescribed by law.
I was shocked at the photo you used of the co-owner/"tiki-ologist" of Forbidden
Island.
Using the photo of a shoeless Martin Cate, was at the very least inappropriate and
in bad taste, as well as a violation of Health Department laws and standards. I
guess we know where I am never going for a drink, and I will make it a point to
let anyone else I come in contact with, whether they are other restaurant
employees or potential customers, aware of my concerns and feelings on this
subject. I hope that Mr. Cate is more concerned about appropriate (and legal)
restaurant standards and practices than his picture would lead one to believe."

____________________________________

In fact, that just one of two that I got saying the same thing.

So to set the record straight, no I do not tend bar barefoot.

However, in the interest of full disclosure, I don't wear pants while behind the bar.

I thought I'd share this brilliant email that I received about the article:

"I am a veteran Bay Area restaurant professional, I try to take my job seriously,
while providing an experience that exceeds my guests' expectations. My application
has been accepted for the Master Sommelier Advanced Course, something for which I am
proud, yet humble. I have to mention that I never fail to read the Food and Wine
sections, as well as Michael Bauer's reviews.
I always want to present the hospitality industry in the best possible light; I do
think that some people may consider restaurant employees less capable or educated
that those in other professions. We deal rather intimately with food and drinks
we present to our guests, and these guests deserve our outmost care and concern.
This includes health-related issues, the manner in which we handle products and
serviceware, our own personal cleanliness and safety and sanitation procedures,
including those prescribed by law.
I was shocked at the photo you used of the co-owner/"tiki-ologist" of Forbidden
Island.
Using the photo of a shoeless Martin Cate, was at the very least inappropriate and
in bad taste, as well as a violation of Health Department laws and standards. I
guess we know where I am never going for a drink, and I will make it a point to
let anyone else I come in contact with, whether they are other restaurant
employees or potential customers, aware of my concerns and feelings on this
subject. I hope that Mr. Cate is more concerned about appropriate (and legal)
restaurant standards and practices than his picture would lead one to believe."

____________________________________

In fact, that just one of two that I got saying the same thing.

So to set the record straight, no I do not tend bar barefoot.

However, in the interest of full disclosure, I don't wear pants while behind the bar.

First off, well done Martin, second apart from the Health and safety issues, which have no relation to what your feet look or smell like, only that there could be broken glass. I have long though how cool it would be to have a city bar (people in suits) where you cannot get in unless you take your tie and shoes off, not neccesarily FI but a full on Tiki bar or beach bar.
It ain't that bad seeing peoples feet( have you ever been to the beach) and it's agraet way of breaking down social barriers.
So I say Martin, put the pants back on (only your wife wants to see that! ) and lose the shoes dude.